Kalta-minor – Unique Minaret of Khiva

"Low minaret" Kalta-minor

This unique Minaret is one of the best known among sights of Khiva and it has become a historical complex of an incredible eastern architectural design. Though being not so high, when comparing to other structures situated here, Kalta-minor minaret symbolizes the life and vigor of this city.

Its sizes as well as style of architecture are charming. The basis of this minaret is equal to 15m. Diametrically the basis is 14.5m. In total, it is 29m high. However, primarily the constructors planned to make it triple times higher but the final design proved to be different.

Because of the tragic events of 1855 in Khiva, when oppositionists killed the governor Khan Muhammad Amin, the process of building was paused, and as the history showed, it was never restarted again. According to the old manuscripts, the planned size might be 70m or even 110m. The architects wanted the building to have a broad basis which had to secure the strength and soundness of the whole construction and due to narrow tube-like design the load was reduced too. Despite the well-thought plan, tower wasn’t completed. The overall look of the tower and its shortness resulted in calling it Kalta-minor minaret, translated as “low minaret”.

This specifically built minaret is much spoken about and has even become a source for legend. When building project of minaret was being done, some people were grumbling near it. Their behavior and constant complaints made khan Muhammad Amin imprison the person leading this opposing group, whose name was Matyakub and later he was buried in tower while still being alive in the moment of sepulture. According to other story, the khan of Bukhara ordered the architect to build for him another higher building when he heard of this minaret’s project. After khan Muhammad Amin was informed about this agreement between the architect and the Buchara’s ruler he decided to take revenge. The architect was obliged to abandon construction of one of the most unusual sights in Khiva. Consequently, Kalta-minor minaret was left half-finished. It’s difficult to find out whether these stories correspond to the truth, but the fact is that building process was terminated soon after the khan died.

Even though unfinished, the minaret style still remains special among other structures of this type. Its decor is undoubtedly fascinating. The viewer’s eyes are immediately captured by lacquered majolica and tiling. Charming beauty of the construction almost hasn’t change since 1855.